Jesus Tato: The staff tried to make the players comfortable

The FC Goa assistant coach talked briefly regarding his side's defeat against Bengaluru FC on Friday night.

FC Goa faltered yet again against Bengaluru FC, as a brace from Sunil Chhetri was enough for the Blues to clinch a crucial 2-1 win in a feisty Indian Super League clash at the Kanteerava Stadium. Sergio Lobera was suspended for this game and assistant coach Jesus Tato took charge of the team. The Spaniard interacted with the media after the game and was evidently disappointed with the result.

Jesus Tato started of by sharing his views on the proceedings of the whole game and where they allowed the hosts to get away. "The first half was very good for us. We displayed some amazing football but finally, football is not only about playing well, but you also need to finish and score goals."

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

"I think in the second half Bengaluru started pushing at us from the first minute. We knew that because they had to reduce the gap between both the teams. But, I think we played well," he added.

"I feel we could have got the three points here, but finally, one mistake to one of their best players and that was it. We return home with mixed feelings," Jesus Tato further added.

It was a set-piece that cost FC Goa the title in the 2018-19 season against Bengaluru FC. It was a set-piece again on Friday night, which allowed Sunil Chhetri to break the deadlock. However, defending his team, Jesus Tato explained how they prepared for them and reiterated that it was just a bad day.

"Everybody knows that Bengaluru are a good team - especially strong from set-pieces. We suffered because of that last season. so we worked a lot on that, as we knew they are strong," Jesus Tato remarked.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

"But, football is like this. You work a lot, but a little loss in concentration and they have good players to score. We have to keep going and improve. Sometimes, you get things right and sometimes you don't. But, we are still in a good position and I want to take the positives from the game as players showed a lot of character," he added.

Despite the defeat, FC Goa kept the top spot in the league for now. As such, Jesus Tato was more concerned about gathering the positives and taking them to the next game, which they need to win to keep their position intact. "We came here for a reason and it is not easy in this league. But, in four days we face another good team. We want to rest and change the mentality because the players are sad," he quipped.

"I love football because you do not give up and in four days we have another big challenge. We will aim for a victory to continue to remain at the top in the table and face the last part of the season from a good position to fight until the end," the FC Goa assistant said.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

When quizzed about whether the absence of Sergio Lobera in the dugout played a crucial part or not, Jesus Tato continued, "Sergio Lobera is unbelievable, but we could not have done anything. We tried, not only me, but even the staff tried to make the players comfortable. In the next match, Sergio will be there with us."

Lastly, he ruled out the possibilities of a mental block among the FC Goa players when it comes to playing against Bengaluru FC, despite their poor record against the Blues in the recent past.

"If it was a mental situation we could not have played the way we played . If the players are blocked because of the other team then the players cannot display this kind of football," the Spaniard said.

"I think their supporters in the stadium and the people watching on television enjoyed a lot. This was my first experience as a head coach and I enjoyed a lot. Two strong teams played and both of them could have won, but unfortunately for us, Bengaluru won the match. I don't think there is any mental thing," he concluded.